PPAS Campus News
February 2020
Vol. 9, No. 1
'Eagle Anglers' Reeling 'Em In
Eagle Anglers
Mr. Rick Saenz, new Director of Campus Life, and PPAS dorm staff have been brainstorming with students and listening to their ideas regarding new weekend activities. Out of these discussions, the "Eagle Anglers" Fishing Club was born!

After a few meetings where rules and fishing etiquette were discussed, students and "Mr. Rick" set out for a fun morning of fishing on Baffin Bay on Saturday, February 15. Students had a great time outdoors, and many experienced fishing for the very first time! In addition to catching the fish, students are being instructed on how to fillet and cook the fish, too. We are grateful for a generous $1,000 donation that funded the purchase of numerous fishing supplies to get the club started.

'Mo' Fun for Student Leaders at Mo Ranch ELP
Mo Ranch ELP
Over the February 21-23 weekend, 35 Pan Am juniors and seniors stepped up to the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) challenge at Mo-Ranch in Hunt, Texas. Students learned how to face and overcome personal fears, build team skills, and problem solve through various activities, such as high and low ropes courses and rock climbing. Students also experienced opportunities for spiritual growth through reflection in a natural environment.

"I loved getting out of my comfort zone and having fun while facing my fear of heights. - Adelite

"I learned that it's okay to ask for help." - Almi
"I liked to jump and just
let go." - Karl

"You have to face your fears.
It was a good experience
being off campus."
- Emiliano
For over 28 years, Mo-Ranch has been providing youth groups with an unforgettable outdoor and environmental education experience in the beautiful Texas Hill Country through the ELP. And, for more than 15 years, Pan Am students have had the wonderful opportunity to participate thanks to the generous sponsorship provided by Mo Ranch!
New Faces on the Board in the New Year
2020 Board of Trustees
The PPAS Board of Trustees met on campus for their first meeting of 2020 on January 31-February 1. Seven new members were welcomed to the Board, including Rev. Dr. Jim Currie, Jo Ann Currie, Dr. Omar Ortiz- Castilleja, Robert McKay, Rev. Dr. Joan Watson, F. Clark Williams, Jr., and Jackie Zimmerman.

It was a "homecoming" for F. Clark and Omar, who graduated from PPAS in 1969 and 1979, respectively. Both men value the education they received at Pan Am, and they are now generously giving back in service to their alma mater.

And, for Rev. Jim Currie, author of the school's "Planting Trees" history book , published in 2011, he and his wife, Jo Ann, are now a part of shaping the history of the school as members of the Board of Trustees!

In addition to taking care of school business, members received a guided campus tour from students and had the privilege of hearing from Student Council officers about how their organization supports all students on campus. We are grateful to these selfless and dedicated individuals who volunteer their time in service to our school and our students!
Servant Leadership in Practice
Food Pantry Volunteers
The theme of Coach Cantu's Junior Seminar class is servant leadership. On February 6-7, our juniors volunteered at a local church's food pantry. One group of students assisted with unloading and bagging foods at the pantry the first day, and a second group participated in the actual distribution of food the following day.

"The best part was seeing how truly excited our kids were to help - their hearts are huge."
- Coach Cantu

The food pantry ministry serves approximately 150 families from the local community each month, and we are grateful that our students had the opportunity to put into practice the lessons learned in the classroom.
Accepted! College-Bound Eagles
Amidst the busyness of the spring semester, our seniors are keeping an eagle eye on the mail (and email). Per school requirements, each graduating student must apply to at least 4 colleges or universities. Around this time of year, letters of notice begin arriving. The ones that begin with, “Congratulations!" of course, are the most welcome. 

Many of our seniors have already been accepted from multiple schools in Texas, the U.S., and their home countries. Below is a partial list. We are proud of every member of the Class of 2020, and we wish them the best as the make the important decision of where they’ll spend the next chapter of their lives.
College Acceptances
Another Successful Livestock Show for Eagles 4-H
The preparation for the Kleberg-Kenedy County Junior Livestock Show is one of our most intense educational experiences. A shout out goes to our young ranchers who put in the hard work with their animals year after year in the months leading up to the show held January 27-February 1.
Livestock Show
Fourteen members of Eagles 4-H participated in the show, with eleven students showing lambs and three students showing goats. Eight of the animals made it to the auction and sale ($23,500), and senior Nicolas Garcia received Reserve Breed Champion honors with his dorper lamb. Senior Regina Cantu also proudly represented PPAS in the KKJLS Queen's Contest.
Presbyterian Pan American School
223 N. FM 772
P.O. Box 1578
Kingsville, TX 78363
Phone: 361-592-4307